Chelsea hold talks with Luis Enrique over managerial role

Chelsea have opened talks with former Spanish head coach Luis Enrique over the managerial role, reports Diario AS.

The Blues are scouring their options to appoint a new head coach following the dismissal of Graham Potter, shortlisting a few high-profile targets, including Enrique.

The former Barcelona gaffer is up for grabs since leaving the Spanish national team following the World Cup exit. He also recently expressed his desire for a managerial job in the Premier League.

Enrique’s former assistant Ivan de la Pena, also a football agent, is taking care of the negotiations with the Blues on behalf of the former Barca gaffer.

The Spaniard’s aspiration for a long-term project with the chances of winning more titles falls in line with Chelsea, who have splurged an insane amount of money in the last two transfer windows under their billionaire owner Todd Boehly.

Furthermore, the Blues’ sporting director Christopher Vivell is said to be an admirer of Enrique and has placed him high on the wishlist.

Potter’s reign at Stamford Bridge turned out to be an utter disappointment as his lack of experience at a top-level club was manifested.

However, it will not be in the case of Enrique, who led Barcelona to a continental treble in 2014/15 and also made a name for himself by reviving the Spanish national team into one of the exciting sides in Europe during his tenure.

The Blues could face competition from fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also interested in Enrique for the head coach role following the departure of Antonio Conte.

Julian Nagelsmann, who was recently sacked by Bayern Munich, is another top contender for the Blues, and he is also open to moving to Stamford Bridge.

Boehly aims to bring in a new manager before the crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid next week.

Potter’s assistant Bruno Saltor is currently serving as the Blues’ interim coach.